Weekend Behind Bars: Chatunga Mugabe To Face Court Monday Over Hyde Park Shooting
Johannesburg • February 20, 2026
No Bail Yet. Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe (28) is set to spend the entire weekend behind bars. The youngest son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was arrested on Thursday following a shooting at his luxury Hyde Park home. With a 23-year-old gardener fighting for his life in hospital, authorities have confirmed that Mugabe and his co-accused will remain in custody until their scheduled appearance at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
| Facing Justice: Chatunga Mugabe will remain in a police cell until Monday's court date. (Image Credit: SAPS/eNCA) |
Court Date Set
Monday, February 23, 2026
Alexandra Magistrates’ Court
Monday Court Appearance
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that two men, including the 28-year-old socialite, have been officially arrested and charged.
“The police can confirm that the two men... have been officially arrested and are expected to appear before Alexandra Magistrates’ Court soon on charges of attempted murder.”
The suspects will spend the entire weekend in holding cells as investigations continue.
The Hyde Park Incident
The victim, a 23-year-old gardener employed at the residence, sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to the hospital. He remains in critical condition.
While the exact motive remains unclear, police confirmed the shooting occurred at the upmarket Hyde Park property on Thursday afternoon.
With the firearm still missing, police are unable to conclusively state who pulled the trigger. Colonel Nevhuhulwi told journalists:
“They have not told us where the gun is. We cannot definitely say who shot.”
Searching for Clues
A multidisciplinary team, including K-9 units, forensic experts, and divers, returned to the property on Thursday night. While spent cartridges were found, the weapon remains elusive.
Officers also seized a black BMW fitted with white lights, similar to those on VIP or security vehicles, as part of the ongoing investigation.
"In Distress"
Specialist correspondent Sophie Mokoena reported that former First Lady Grace Mugabe is "very angry" and distressed.
“I spoke to someone who has a strong relationship with the Mugabe family. He indicated... Grace Mugabe is very angry because she has been speaking to her children, telling them to behave.”
This follows previous incidents involving her sons, including Robert Mugabe Jnr's arrest for dagga possession last year.
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